Battle of the Fallen Eagle

So excited were Alan and I to see our Civil War project realised earlier this week, that we even got a second game in: superb! Joined by mates Marty (my Co-Consul) and John (duped into an alliance with Pompey)- the game was afoot.

Consul John - unwitting pawn to the perfidious Pompey

After I had won initiative and advanced with march move, Alan's first turn started inauspiciously when his centre command's group move failed with the dreaded Ace card, allowing me to steal 2 moves on him and press him hard with my veteran legions. It was at this exact moment that he knocked over the standard bearer model of Pompey Magus's command stand, breaking off the Eagle standard! A terrible omen indeed, and soldiers are known to be a superstitious bunch...

Nemesis accepts Caesar's offerings and strikes a deadly blow to Pompean morale

Marty and I trust our whole line ahead fast, pushing hard to keep the initiative and restrict their options. Admittedly, Alan and John's cards didn't give them many anyway. Under Caesar's watchful eye, the legions clashed in the centre, pinning Alan against his baggage elements. 

No Mercy for Traitors!!!

My right flank was comprised mostly of Cavalry, both Roman equites and Gallic tribal, who gave ground when pressed by enemy foot troops. This traded space for time, and kept John's troops away from the main event in the centre. My left flank, Commanded by Marty, faced Pompey himself, who was pushing hard to force a flanking manoeuvre but again just didn't get the cards to be able to seize the opportunities.

Consul Marty holding the left flank well against Pompey 

Meanwhile, the grind in the centre continued, Alan continuing to loose units and committing his reserve of raw legions against my broadly undaunted veterans. 

"Push forward in the Centre - Attack! Onward to Victory!"

With their centre collapsing (and my being up 8 VPs to 1 at this point), the Pompean forces conceded the field and retired.

Caesar's veterans grind forward into Pompey's raw legions
(Alan modelled the new recruits sans armour to display their lack of preparedness - very cool)

The auguries were poor for Pompey Magnus this day and his army's morale never recovered from the incident of the Fallen Eagle (reflected by some very unfortunate cards it must be said). Meanwhile, Caesar gave thanks and libations to Fortuna and Mars for this glorious Victory!

We give you joy of our Victory!

Pompey Tristis and John...in absentia

A throughly enjoyable game in which our knowledge of TTS is growing and use of strategums adds a bit of unknown fun. I was pretty happy with how my strong centre formation with veterans and Brilliant General (that is, the leadership figure with a 3 square redraw advantage as opposed to me!) is working. Not much finesse to it, but it is historically correct as Ceasar often tried to rapidly force a result, relying on his veterans before Pompey's usually larger force and superior cavalry ground him down.

Thanks again Alan for hosting us all to a great evening of culinary delights, tabletop fun and camaraderie!